PC Upgrading Questions - Help would be appreciated.?

Question

Ok I got my system last year on Black Friday at Best Buy.
1TB HDD
8GB DDR3 RAM
Big monitor
Printer
Nvidia 9100 intergrated graphics

It was only 500$ so I got it.
Obviously, the graphics aren't meant for gaming, so I need to upgrade.
I'm planning on getting this Sapphire Radeon HD 6870:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102909&Tpk=Sapphire%20Radeon%20HD%206870
And since I need a new PSU to support this with enough power, I'm getting one of these two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182188&cm_re=1000w_power_supply-_-17-182-188-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182173

Now I have two main questions:
1. I am skeptical that the video card will fit into my PC case. I couldn't find the exact dimensions anywhere. I think my RAM or my integrated graphics (i think that's what those blocks are) might be blocking it, but I certainly hope not. Here are some pictures of the inside of my PC:
Isometric (sort of):
http://img530.imageshack.us/i/imag0259p.jpg/
Another View:
http://img98.imageshack.us/i/imag0262k.jpg/
Close-Up of the PCI-E slot next to the RAM:
http://img202.imageshack.us/f/imag0263t.jpg/
Aerial View (kind of bright):
http://img593.imageshack.us/i/imag02520.jpg/

Do you think this will fit in the case? If not, could I possible modify my case to fit it? I really want this card and don't want to have to look for a new one to buy.
Also, what is the little raised, almost ziptie-like thing on the end of the PCI-E slot? Is that supposed to be there? If not, how do I remove it?

2. Will the 1000W PSU fit in my case?
The only reason I am questioning this is because my HP case has a little knob holding the current PSU in place. The 700W PSU has the same dimensions as my current one, but the 1000W is longer and would pass the knob. You can push down the knob to release the PSU, and I think the added length of the 1000W PSU might be enough to just fit in there and press it down enough for it to stay like that. If it won't fit, Do you think I could cut it off or something?
Pictures of the knob:
http://img249 (DOT) imageshack (DOT) us/i/imag0253k.jpg/
http://img10 (DOT) imageshack (DOT) us/i/imag0255u.jpg/
http://img683.imageshack.us/i/imag02560.jpg/
http://img710.imageshack.us/i/imag0257z.jpg/

Thanks again, should I get the 1000W or the 700W? Price is irrelevant between those two.




Ok, I have another little question, if the graphics card does fit, how do I punch out these covers to expose the ports on the end of the graphics card?
http://img15.imageshack.us/i/imag0260v.jpg/

I see a screwdriver but am confused...

Anyways, thank you guys very much before hand, see you later!

Answer 1

Brand name OEM PCs like an HP really aren't ideal for upgrading compared to a custom built.



I have an HD 6870 (XFX) and it's 10.5 inches measured in length and about 4.5 inches in width. It'll fit, if you have at least that amount of space inside the case and you can make it fit in. Modifying the case would just mean almost destroying a brand new computer you bought with $500, if you have to cut away a part of the inside to make room. And the RAM won't get in the way, the PCI-E slot looks like you'll have to install the graphics card upside down with the fan hub facing the bottom and the flat bottom of the circuit board facing up. From the pictures I can't really tell how tall the chipset blocks are compared to the PCI slot but the PCI-E slot on a motherboard is designed to support an expansion device like a graphics card. And the connector of the card itself is jutted out a bit (about 1/2 inch, I estimate). It probably won't get in the way.



The 700w is more than enough. Stick with the one that has the same dimension as the original power supply and that fits into the 'slot'. This is one of the reasons why something like an HP isn't ideal for upgrades, a custom case usually doesn't have something like that release knob and indented space just for a PSU of that dimension. Can you cut it out or force it to be pressed down so it doesn't get in the way, probably. If you put in the 1000w and make it so it lines up with the screw sockets in the back, it may be able to force that release button aside and be kept depressed at all times. I've never tried it so I don't know if it'll work or not. I say stick with the 700w with the same dimensions, it'll save you the hassle. Even a 600w is enough.



The raised zip tie thing at the end of the PCI-E slot is supposed to be there and is what every other PCI-E slot looks like. It's a release lever, makes removing expansion devices easier. Also helps you line up the device.



The expansion covers on the back you just forcefully punch out with a blunt object...like a screwdriver. Or you just bend it outward (usually there will be at least two attached points keeping it in place), and then keep bending back and forth (creates heat, weakens it) until it snaps out. Some cases make it easier with each panel itself can be removed and replaced easily if it has screws instead of being simply attached. When you install an extra device like a graphics card, you will need a *screwdriver* to fasten a screw for each slot it takes up to keep it in place.

Answer 2

You will need to go to Sapphire's website and find the dimensions of the card to make sure it will fit. Website address is on Neweggs information page for this item.



The tab you are referring is common to a lot of computers in the bay area of the PSU. I bent this out of the way on a similar computer of my own. Modify what you need to. Just make sure the rear of the case is strong enough to support the weight of the PSU.



The slats in the area of the PCI-e dim are to be removed with a screw driver. You bend them and they break off. It is a less cost item to the manufacture. You will have to buy the covers if the need comes. Newegg has these, vented of solid, obtained under the heading "case accessories".



To be honest, you should look at Corsair & Antec power supplies. They will out last the Rosewill and have better quality. I own a lot of Rosewill products, but not a PSU. Look at the "Feedback" for a year in Newegg and you will know why. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

I acquired my Elder Scrolls four to run with the minimal of: 128 MB pix (Radeon 9200) 512 RAM two.two GHZ To achieve this you have got to down load an unnoficial patch known as "oldblivion" and make certain you've gotten the latest patch of the sport. Allthough even after that the sport played rather poorly and I needed to reduce the grpahics correct again. Your gonna wish a well might be 512 pix (your pc prolly makes use of and AGP slot so examine with that first as so much generally tend to make use of PCI-E slots at the moment. And one more stick of comaptible 512 RAM. Your CPU I assume can be excellent, it is roughly the call for at the pix card the restricts the sport

Answer 4

1000W power supply? Are you trying to power a computer or a submarine? If you have to spend another $300 to upgrade this computer how was this a good deal??????